London:
The legality of Prince Charles' marriage to Camilla has long been doubted, with legal experts claiming that British law does not allow Royals to marry in a civil ceremony.
Now, the controversy has erupted again, after it was ruled that the legal advice that finally enabled the heir to the British throne to marry the Duchess of Cornwall in 2005 must remain secret until after the Prince's death.
The couple tied the knot in 2005 after the then Lord Chancellor Falconer overruled claims the British Royal Family can't marry in a registry office. In the ruling, Britain's Information Commissioner has turned down an appeal against Justice Secretary Jack Straw's decision to block a 'Freedom of Information' request to make public the advice given to Lord Falconer by the government before he gave the final go-ahead, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
But, the Commissioner acknowledged public interest in the matter and said the issue was a significant one in British constitutional history "given that it relates to the legality of the marriage of the heir to the Throne".
However, British MPs are unhappy with the decision. Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said: "It is an odd decision. We have a right to know on what basis this is being covered up, as indeed does Prince Charles."
The Justice Ministry defended its stand, saying, "We believe disclosure in this instance could undermine effective government by discouraging frankness and candour in internal communications."
A Clarence House official said that Charles had taken legal advice from four different sources five years ago and all agreed his remarriage in a civil ceremony was legal.
Now, the controversy has erupted again, after it was ruled that the legal advice that finally enabled the heir to the British throne to marry the Duchess of Cornwall in 2005 must remain secret until after the Prince's death.
The couple tied the knot in 2005 after the then Lord Chancellor Falconer overruled claims the British Royal Family can't marry in a registry office. In the ruling, Britain's Information Commissioner has turned down an appeal against Justice Secretary Jack Straw's decision to block a 'Freedom of Information' request to make public the advice given to Lord Falconer by the government before he gave the final go-ahead, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
But, the Commissioner acknowledged public interest in the matter and said the issue was a significant one in British constitutional history "given that it relates to the legality of the marriage of the heir to the Throne".
However, British MPs are unhappy with the decision. Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said: "It is an odd decision. We have a right to know on what basis this is being covered up, as indeed does Prince Charles."
The Justice Ministry defended its stand, saying, "We believe disclosure in this instance could undermine effective government by discouraging frankness and candour in internal communications."
A Clarence House official said that Charles had taken legal advice from four different sources five years ago and all agreed his remarriage in a civil ceremony was legal.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
